Ralph Ottey
Ralph Ottey (17 February 1924 – 10 May 2026) was a Jamaican-born British author and Second World War veteran.[1]
Biography
Ralph Ottey was born in Little London, Jamaica on 17 February 1924.[2] He relocated to the United Kingdom in 1944, and joined the Royal Air Force, being assigned to the 617 (Dambusters) Squadron at RAF Woodhall Spa.[3] He served as a driver with 617 Squadron at RAF Coningsby and RAF Woodhall Spa. [4]
Following the war he resided in Boston, Lincolnshire.[5] He became active in cricket, being known for being a fast bowler.[6]
He wrote two books related to Boston, Memories of Boston Market Place 1949–2009 and Memories of Bargate in Boston.[7]
Ottey celebrated his 100th birthday in February 2024,[8] and died on 10 May 2026, aged 102.[9]
References
- ↑ Ottey, Ralph (2024). A Jamaican in Lincolnshire: From the Wartime RAF to a Life in Boston. Lincoln Record Society. ISBN 978-1-910653-11-1.
- ↑ Altink, Henrice (2019). Public Secrets: Race and Colour in Colonial and Independent Jamaica. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-1-78962-000-9.
- ↑ "Ralph Ottey Service in the 'Dambusters' Squadron". Black History Month 2026. 14 February 2008. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ https://ibccdigitalarchive.omeka.net/collections/show/1693
- ↑ "In Pictures: Jamaican-born Second World War veteran who settled in Boston, becoming cricket legend, turns 100". LincolnshireWorld. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ King, Antje (9 May 2024). "Celebrating Local History Month: A Jamaican in Lincolnshire". Boydell and Brewer. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ Ottey, Ralph (2015). Memories of Bargate in Boston, Lincolnshire. Dudley Bryant. ISBN 978-0-9933676-0-1.
- ↑ "Caribbean WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday". 19 February 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ "Well-known Boston man - war veteran, local cricket legend, businessman and author - Ralph Ottey dies, aged 102". LincolnshireWorld. 11 May 2026. Retrieved 12 May 2026.